Some players chase trophies across Europe. Koke just keeps renewing his contract at the only club he has ever known.

Jorge Resurrección Merodio, universally known as Koke, has triggered an automatic renewal clause in his existing deal with Atlético Madrid, extending his stay at the Metropolitano through 30 June 2027. The 33-year-old captain is now locked in for at least one more season beyond his previous extension, which had already pushed his tenure through June 2026.

For context, Koke made his first-team debut for Atlético in 2011. He has been there ever since.

More than 700 appearances and counting

Koke is Atlético Madrid’s all-time leader in first-team appearances, having crossed the 700-appearance threshold since coming through the club’s academy system.

The renewal follows a similar extension confirmed around July 2026, which itself came after an earlier renewal in June 2025. The pattern is becoming familiar: Atlético keep triggering the clause, Koke keeps signing, and the relationship continues.

His stated goal for the extended contract is a major title. Koke has won the Copa del Rey, the Europa League twice, and the UEFA Super Cup with Atlético, but La Liga remains a trophy that has arrived only once during his senior career, back in the 2020-21 season. The Champions League is the one that got away. Twice Atlético reached the final, in 2014 and 2016. Both times Real Madrid were waiting.

Part of a broader retention strategy at the Metropolitano

Atlético’s decision to extend Koke is not happening in isolation. The club recently confirmed a similar renewal for Antoine Griezmann, also running through 2027, as Diego Simeone’s squad undergoes a significant rebuild around a core of experienced, proven figures.

At 33, Koke is operating in a role that relies more on reading the game than covering ground. Simeone has managed his minutes accordingly in recent seasons.